The fully-animated Interactive Yoda stands eight inches tall and interacts by responding through a series of sensors. Using the voice of Frank Oz, Yoda's vocabulary consists of more than 800 words and phrases to help guide his apprentice through four levels of Jedi training including the highest level of training, Jedi Master. In addition, each Yoda comes with a 12`` lightsaber for the apprentice to train with and features authentic Star Wars sound effects. Interactive Yoda will be able to communicate with other Yodas, comparing the activities and progress of their apprentices. He will also share pearls of Jedi wisdom, special questions and games with the apprentice.

``The anticipation from Star Wars enthusiasts, as well as the collecting community has been phenomenal since we first showed Yoda at the Toy Fair two years ago. We are thrilled to finally be delivering this to fans worldwide through the successful platform of Yahoo! Auctions, for such a good cause,'' said Roger Shiffman, president of Tiger Electronics.

``We are thrilled to team up with Tiger Electronics again to offer one of the years `must have' toys to our millions of users. By hosting the Interactive Yoda charity auctions, we are providing parents and Star Wars fans first-access to these one-of-a-kind collectibles,'' said Rich Godwin, brand manager of Yahoo! Auctions. ``Yahoo! users have been anticipating Yoda for sometime in chats, clubs and questions to other auctions.''

The Yahoo! Charity Auctions program is part of the Yahoo! global network and Yahoo! Auctions. Through Yahoo! Auctions, sellers and buyers have access to an ever-expanding world of collectibles, a global community, a comprehensive set of tools, and unique programs such as Business-to-Business Marketplace, Merchant Auctions, Featured Auctions and Charity Auctions. Since May 1999, Yahoo! has rolled out 16 international auction services in 11 languages.

Tiger Electronics, Ltd., a division of Hasbro, Inc. leads the industry in technology-driven entertainment and lifestyle products for the whole family. Tiger's core brands, products and licensed properties include: Furby, Poo-Chi, Talkboy, Hitclips, Yahoo!, e-Fortunes, No Limits, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy!, Star Wars, NASCAR, WCW/NWO, Winnie the Pooh, Franklin the Turtle and many more.

Hasbro is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, KENNER, TONKA, ODDZON, SUPER SOAKER, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, HASBRO INTERACTIVE, MICROPROSE, GALOOB and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.

[Posted 6/07/2000]